interpretation of guidance given in 'RP guide for sleeping acc'

[terry martin]

i have recently had involvement with a premises that has raised an issue with the interpretation of guidance given in the 'responsible persons guide' for sleeping accommodation  

in the guide (section 2.2 Table1 suggested standards of AFD)
it recommends a 'Grade A LD2' system in the common area's if the following applies:-

Houses in multiple occupation of more than two storey’s
(more than one floor above ground) or any floor greater than 200m2
Flats and conversions (including holiday flats) that have not been
constructed to building regulation standards.  

does anyone know if the phrase
'have not been constructed to building regulation standards'
means current standards, or standards that where current at the time of conversion/development.  

if it is current standards, is this not imposing standards retrospectively?

also, is this not opening a can of worms where any flats that are not lobbied from a single starcase will be required to have the communal alarm extended into there private residence?

[kurnal]

A grade A LD2 system is a bit of an enigma isnt it. When you read the explanatory notes and caveats in Part 6 you end up with a part 1 systemin many of these situations.

I suppose the guidance has to set some benchmark for us to focus on and I dont see the focus on the curnet building regulations as retrospective enforcement - its the risk assessment that determines the necessary risk control measures appropriate today, its not really relevant to consider whatever standards were applied years ago.  Todays standards are the best benchmark of good safe practice.

If the layout is poor or the fire doors are to a crap standard then it needs sorting out, even if it was ok judged by past standards. IMO.

[PhilB]

Pre 1991 because those built prior to that had lower levels of compartmentation.

[Bill G]

I would tend to agree with PhilB - in the Housing Act section 256 (3) it mentions that the appropriate building standard compliant with the 84 Building Act and the 91 B.Regulations.

I would tend to use these date's ( if any body could re-draft this section into plain english I would be most grateful)

[Dinnertime Dave]

Pre 1991 because those built prior to that had lower levels of compartmentation.

That`s my understanding of requiremnets too.